
“Police have defended the presence of the Joint Anti-Terrorist Task Force (JAT) in Kawempe, describing it as a legally established security unit. Spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma advised those questioning JAT’s actions to seek legal redress. This follows the forceful detention of Elias Nalukoola shortly after his nomination” (NTV Uganda, 03.03.2025).
“Our own news reporter, Steven Mbidde, was seen being attacked by men in uniform earlier this morning as he attempted to speak to David Lewis Rubongoya at Wandegeya Police Station, where some of the arrested NUP supporters were being held after yesterday’s raid” (NTV Uganda, 04.03.2024).
“The National Unity Platform supporters who were brutally arrested yesterday from a political rally in Kawempe are set to charged in court at Kawempe Magistrate’s court. We strongly condemn election-related violence and abuse of civil rights in Uganda” (Freedom Hive Uganda, 04.03.2025).
This is just too common and to established by the authorities. The Uganda Police Force and JAT are active. They are able and allowed to set a precedence in the by-elections. This is the foreplay to the General Elections in 2026. The ones believing it will be better and freer are wrong. The state is showing force now and telling the public what it thinks of them.
That the authorities are using violence, usage of live-bullets and tear-gas, in addition to arresting, kidnapping and even detaining people for political affiliation. That is what the state does and does so to intimidate. They are targeting the National Unity Platform (NUP). This isn’t happening to the other political parties or their supporters or activists. That is visible for the naked eye.
This By-Election won’t be remembered for the political messaging or the stature of the candidates. No, this election is marred with state sponsored violence. The state is on high alert and made the By-Election a warzone, as we anticipated. The NUP is the target and being in association of the party is endangering for a civilian. Any citizen who are part of it or participate with the NUP. They should be aware that the state is aiming at them and they could become victims of the state oppression for doing so.
Citizen are being taken into custody and detained for their political affiliation. The media is hit and feeling a pinch following up or monitoring the acts of the state. Instead of letting people assemble and being free to associate with whoever. They are now going against the ones who dares to participate and be a part of the NUP in Kawempe North By-Election. That is the reality here…
We are seeing UPF and JAT misusing their power… and the people are the victims of their orders and active operation within the period of campaign period. That is clear here and we see the wounds, the damage and the suffering they are committed to give the people of Kawempe. Peace.












